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| Image from Autosport.com |
Caterham and McLaren have already launched their cars, there’s a busload more on the way over the coming few days, testing starts on Tuesday and the first race is just a little over six weeks away.
It’s all very exciting, the McLaren looks beautiful, as it always tends to with that livery. The Caterham, um, looks interesting. The regulations have stated the nose must be lowered for the new crash test while the rest of the car remains the same as before, this is going to result in unsightly steps in the nose, a bit like Alain Prost.
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| Image from Autosport.com |
McLaren have lowered the rest of the front too resulting in less of a step and a more pleasing aesthetic, but a lot will take the Caterham way. Caterham are looking for a big step, while McLaren have evolved their car, and are looking for a solid baseline in testing, something they didn’t have last year. A good start is crucial if they want to challenge for titles, which has been sadly lacking in recent years.
Anyway I’ve been side tracked, F1 2012 is well on the way now, we had a great year in 2011 despite Sebastian Vettel’s dominance, but here’s 12 things I’d like to see happen this season which I actually think may be possible.
1. A four way championship fight, yes I could just about see that happening. If I’m honest we’d probably lose Mercedes from it at some point, but I’d love to see an end of year show down between the top four teams. Actually, even better, final race showdown involving Vettel, Hamilton, Button, Alonso, Schumacher and Kimi, champion of champions!
2. Michael Schumacher not to hit anyone this year. I think he could sneak a win, well a podium, at least a top five finish. Hopefully. But if Mercedes get their act together, and they are pushing hard with several big names being brought into the design team, then he’s more than proved he’s still capable of racing with the big names when given the opportunity. Also Petrov hasn’t got a drive so far, which takes away one of his crash partners.
3. Lewis Hamilton not to hit anyone this year. Lewis has amazing driving skills, in my opinion the fastest out there. If he can focus on his racing this year and McLaren build a car worthy of him, then I doubt he’ll let them down. He certainly won’t want Button to overshadow him again.
4. I’m glad Bruno Senna has got an opportunity for a full season with a decent team. I think given the chance, he’ll surprise a few people. With Renault powering Williams, and if they have a decent chassis, I think a few points appearances will be the order of the year with a decent future ahead.
5. Canada to get even more epic than ever before! It’s the go to circuit for a decent race, but it hardly ever disappoints, and I can’t wait. I think if the new track in Texas is as good as the design looks, it’ll be all about North America this year.
6. I’d like to see Force India continue their current upward trend, I’d like to see them start nibbling the wheels of the top teams. With Paul di Resta and Nico Hulkenberg as drivers, I think they’ve got the momentum to push further forward.
7. An obvious one is for Pirelli to just continue doing such a fantastic job. They’ve already stated they plan to get more aggressive with the tyres this year. They’ve made races which would have previously ended up being a bit dull absolutely riveting, so their intentions can only be a good thing. DRS and KERS have added to the excitement, but the tyres are what have meant there’s been a lack of rain dances to spice up the racing. Although there’s nothing quite like a nice bit of rain to bring out the best in drivers. Or the worst.
8. Caterham, Marussia and HRT all to make significant steps forward and finally join up to the back of the midfield. Unfortunately I can only really see Caterham managing that.
9. The BBC and Sky will ramp up their coverage as they compete with each other, especially when sharing live races. As much as I wanted the BBC to keep full coverage, I think it’ll be a good year to be a sofaF1 fan.
10. Felipe baby, sort it out. Fernando Alonso is awesome, no doubt about that, but I think Massa, once upon a time was capable of at least competing with him. He’s not been the same since his accident, one last chance, he can do it.
11. Kimi Raikkonen to show just how come backs should be made. I’ll be surprised if he shows the same struggles as Schumacher. He shouldn’t as he’s only 32, plenty of youth in him to get back on top of things. Despite the reactive ride setback, I think Lotus will at least be topping the midfield behind the top four teams. Kimi will be the surprise of the season, but he really shouldn’t be.
12. Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull to still be the team to beat. With blown diffusers now banned, something which was integral to the Red Bull car, their competitors will be optimistic but with Adrian Newey still top man there, there’s little chance of them coming up with a bad car, they’ll still be near the top. Then if and when they are beaten, it’ll be that much sweeter for the victor and that much more compelling for the viewer as we reach our last race showdown.
I said it was all possible, and it is. Probable, not likely really, but whatever happens it’s going to be good, and I can’t wait.
